Product Spotlight - Shuttle Valves |
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Lexair, Inc.
2025 Mercer Rd.
Lexington, KY, 40511 1018
USA
 
Press release date: June 1, 2008
The shuttle valve is an often misunderstood and overlooked fluid power accessory device. What exactly is it and what does it do? Pneumatically speaking, a shuttle valve is typically used when a pilot signal or air supply source needs to come from more than one location (think of it as an "or" device). If we look at the schematic below, we find that either "Valve 1" or "Valve 2" can be used to provide a pilot signal source for the "Single Air Piloted Valve". Therefore, the "Double Acting Cylinder" can be extended via actuation of "Valve 1" or "Valve 2". This type of circuit is useful when a pneumatic function needs to be controlled from more than one location (dual or multiple station control). In this example, let's say that a conveyor is receiving material that must be "pushed" off the side when it starts to pile up and that more than one person needs to monitor and control this action. By having two "control" stations (perhaps on opposite sides of the conveyor or at different locations along the conveyor), the pushing action required from the cylinder can be - (1) controlled from either side of the conveyor so that personnel operating the system need not cross over the conveyor or lean across it dangerously. Or (2) from a location that is convenient such that personnel do not have to leave their workstations or if they do, they only travel to a location close to them alongside the conveyor to operate the cylinder.
Many shuttle valves that are sold today are for use in either pneumatic circuits (typically at 150 PSI or less) or are specifically for hydraulic use. The Lexair shuttles are versatile in the fact that they were designed to be used in either pneumatic or hydraulic applications. In fact, they were designed to be used with compressed gases and liquids that are compatible with Buna-N rubber and Delrin® at a standard working pressure up to 250 PSI. Most pneumatic units on the market are typically small, low-flow devices that are designed for use in pilot circuits only. Lexair units with their high-flow capabilities are well suited for applications other than just pilot signal selection.
Highlights of the Lexair, Inc. product line include:
o Port sizes ranging from ¼" to 1-½" NPT
o Coefficient of flow values to a Cv 45.5
o Standard working pressure is 250 PSI, consult the factory for higher pressures
o Designed for use with gases or liquids
o Bubble tight sealing even at lower pressures
o Temperature range is -30 to 180 degrees F
Our quick acting, high flow shuttle valves reliably direct flow from either of two sources to a single output. In our 1/2" to 1-1/2" models, solid Delrin® pistons and soft rubber seats provide bubble-tight sealing, even in low pressure applications. These models also feature a simple "drop-out" body design that allows for quick and easy service without the need to disconnect the end cap plumbing.
The 1/4" model features a floating ball design that is easy to repair simply by removing one fitting.
In addition to the multiple station pilot control circuit previously discussed, our valves have been successfully used as two-pressure selectors when using different inlet pressures; used for the selection of two different types of media; used for the selection of two different viscosities of the same media; used for the selection of two different colors of the same media.
We have had thousands of our units installed in the air compressor/industrial air dryers and controls market segments. If you are looking for a durable, versatile and easy to service shuttle valve, we may have exactly what you are looking for.
For more information on our line-up of Shuttle Valves, click this link from our website http://www.lexairinc.com/valves/s-std-pr.html
John W. Jennings
V.P. of Sales and Marketing
Lexair, Inc.
E-mail: jjennings@lexairinc.com
Phone: Office:859-255-5001 Cell:859-338-0008
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